Super Bowl XLIX will be played in Glendale on February 1, 2015, but Super Bowl Central will be right here in downtown Phoenix. In the week preceding the big game, downtown Phoenix will host major events and initiatives centered in 12 city blocks, including the NFL Experience, the NFL Media Center and more. The activities were announced this morning by Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee representatives and Phoenix city officials.
Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee CEO Jay Parry, Host Committee Chairman David Rousseau, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Councilman Michael Nowakowski and Councilwoman Kate Gallego.
Everyone will be working together to pull out all the stops, showcasing downtown Phoenix’s urban center within the warmth of the desert. “We know how to collaborate, and we know how to do it better than anyone else,” said CEO of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee Jay Parry of the relationship between the city and the NFL.
Vowing to be a great Super Bowl partner, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton spoke to the unique collaboration of a whole range of partners who are working together, including a city departments, Downtown Phoenix Inc., local businesses, restaurants, community groups and arts organizations.
“Super Bowl Central, along with the NFL Experience and NFL House, will turn Downtown Phoenix into the Super Bowl epicenter. It will provide both local and visiting fans an amazing opportunity to be part of this global event,” said Mayor Stanton.
The festivities will spread from CityScape to the Phoenix Convention Center, and Monroe Street to the US Airways Center, anchored by the iconic Super Bowl roman numeral numbers that will tower 30 feet high. Anticipating more than 1 million visitors, David Rousseau, Chairman, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, says, “We are thrilled to be providing extensive and engaging events and activities that will showcase the energetic and vibrant culture of Arizona to fans, sponsors and media alike.”
Click to enlarge. Super Bowl Central Map courtesy of Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.
Key Locations:
- NFL Experience—Phoenix Convention Center. The world’s largest interactive football theme park will feature attractions that simulate the elements that are found in the NFL, including free autograph sessions, kids’ football clinics, entertainment attractions, football memorabilia, interactive football games and more.
- NFL Media Center—Phoenix Convention Center. Anticipate 5,000+ media members. More than 30 countries will be represented.
- NFL Headquarters—Hyatt Regency Phoenix. A major hub of activity and meetings for the NFL and its key partners.
- NFL House—CityScape. A high-end, drop-in facility for business partners and Super Bowl VIPs that will operate from Thursday through Sunday of Super Bowl week.
- Outdoor Fan Campus—Spanning 12 city blocks throughout downtown Phoenix, from 3rd Street to Central Avenue and Jefferson Street to Monroe Street.
Activities throughout the Outdoor Fan Campus:
- Two entertainment stages featuring performances from local bands during the day to national recording artists at night.
- Beer and wine gardens
- Cultural and outdoor activities unique to Arizona
- Football themed activities
- Home of NBC and NFL Network studios
- Showcase Arizona community groups and schools
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the incredible work our downtown community has done to broaden and deepen our urban culture,” said David Krietor, CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. “Whether it’s the arts, music or sports, downtown Phoenix is fast becoming our region’s gathering place. I am 100% confident the NFL and the Host Committee will be pleased by the vitality and diversity they will experience in downtown Phoenix.”
Watch the Host Committee’s video depicting Super Bowl Central, and get a sneak peak of downtown as a backdrop to the week-long festivities.
Photography by Stephen G. Dreiseszun/Viewpoint Photographers
DPJ writers Hillary Brody and Jill Bernstein contributed to this story.
